WSL 2 distros now supported on Windows Server
Good news for Linux fans and Windows Server users
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Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) 2 type distros are now fully supported on Windows Server 2022.
Released in May 2019, WSL 2 is a compatibility layer that allows WindowsServerusers to run Linux binary executables (in ELF format) natively, using virtualization technology to run anopen sourceLinux kernel inside of a lightweight utilityvirtual machine(VM), without using a separateLinux distro.
Windows initially teased WSL support for users of its servers in May 2022, however it was only available for those who downloaded the optional Windows Server 2022KB5014021(opens in new tab)update.
Want to get started?
To get the update, users need to click “Check for Updates” on your Windows Server machine to update to the latest version and you’ll get support for WSL 2 distros.
To make sure you have the right update, you’ll need to check that you have the latestKB 5014678update installed.
If you’re a Windows Server User already and you’d like to start using WSl for the first time, you can check out the guide whichMicrosofthas pulled togetherhere.
But luckily for users the process is simple and consists of entering “WSL –install” in an administrator PowerShell or Windows Command Prompt and then restarting your machine.
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Got a problem?
Microsoft invited any users experiencing technical difficulties to head to theWSL repository.
Alternatively, if you’d like to go via the social media route you can get in touch with Craig Loewen Program Manager II, Windows Developer Platform on Twitterhere, or with any of the other WSL team members viathis list.
If your delighted with your Linux experience, you’re not the only one.
Linux founder Linus Torvalds said he was still continually “surprised and pleased” at the amount of innovationcoming to the platformafter 15 years at the most recent Open Source Summit.
Will McCurdy has been writing about technology for over five years. He has a wide range of specialities including cybersecurity, fintech, cryptocurrencies, blockchain, cloud computing, payments, artificial intelligence, retail technology, and venture capital investment. He has previously written for AltFi, FStech, Retail Systems, and National Technology News and is an experienced podcast and webinar host, as well as an avid long-form feature writer.
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